Wildlife Festival feels older than its years and is just what Brighton has needed for a while

Wild Life 2016

Saturday 11th to Sunday 12th June 2016
Shoreham Airport, Cecil Pashley Way, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5FF, England MAP
£105 weekend

Daily capacity: 35,000

Last updated: Tue 26th Apr 2016

Wildlife festival is based in Shoreham, Brighton. It’s now in its second year and has the feeling of a much more established festival. The grounds are littered with coloured tents and bright young things looking forward to have a good time. There is a big range of food available and I’m happy to report that it’s of a high quality. The grounds are full of young people having finished their exams ready to unwind and Wildlife festival is happy to oblige.

Brighton based singer Rory Graham, better known as Rag n Bone Man has a unique sound which can only be described as bluesy R and B. His emotive voice sends a tingle down your spine and he strongly deserves to be more successful than he is. A surprise treat of the festival.

De La Soul where formed in 1987, when the majority of Wildlife’s crowd where not even born. However their fabulous blend of sampling, lyrics and rap has the ability to bridge generations. The tent is awash with people having fun.

The festival has a very nineties throwback feel this year. Busta Rhymes is a very welcome addition. He reminds us that his first album ‘The coming’ was released nearly twenty years ago. He puts on an enjoyable, enthusiastic show and the crowd although seem to be unfamiliar with some of his back catalogue enjoy themselves anyway.

It’s only natural that Disclosure get the Saturday headline slot. Brothers Howard and Lawrence have enjoyed critical and commercial success since the release of ‘Settle’ in 2013. Part of the very much appreciated set is a new track ‘Boss’ which is fresh off their forthcoming EP ‘Moog For Love’. This is the kind of set that the young festival goers have come and Disclosure deliver.

Currently the biggest grime artist in the world right now Michael Omar, better known as Stormzy is a massive draw to the festival. He has one of the largest crowds of the weekend and the enthusiasm of the crowd is quite scary at times. Winner of several Mobo awards the future looks bright for this individual.

Grammy award nominated and Brit award winning James Bay is somewhat of a veteran of the festival having played both years. The artist shows great growth in ability, talent and stage presence. The spectators love him and it’s clear that he doesn’t take a single moment fore granted. I predict that his second album will be the making of this gifted musician.

Billed as one of rap's greatest storytellers, O’Shea Jackson aka Ice Cube has been preforming since 1989. It should be concerning that most of the festival goers where not even born then. However, most seem to be familiar with most of his back catalogue and those that are not seem to be enjoying themselves anyway. Ice cube puts in a confident performance worthy of artist half of his age. It’s clear to see why he is considered one the of the greatest rap artists.

The hard task comes to Rudimental to close the festival on Sunday night. Having seen the band twice before at Glastonbury, I am happy to report that the group are on top form. They genuinely seem to enjoy every moment on stage and feed off the crowd. They zip through many tacks from their first two albums and with support from live artist including Annie Marie and Will Heard they put in a fantastic spectacle. It seems like a very special night that you feel lucky to be part of. Make no mistake, they appreciate every single minute of their success and long may it continue on.

Wildlife Festival feels older than its years and is just what Brighton has needed for a while. Long may it continue to provide a refuge for the youth of Brighton to enjoy and be themselves.